Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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This simple 20-minute pannenkoeken recipe highlights the Dutch pancakes' delicate texture and flavor. All they need is a sprinkling of brown sugar.

I make two versions of these tasty pancakes - one with whole-wheat flour and one with coconut flour. Both are excellent!

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

Pannenkoeken (literally translates to pancakes) are Dutch pancakes. They are very similar to French crepes, but they are thicker and sturdier and usually served rolled up, with just a sprinkling of sugar.

Unlike "Dutch Babies", these pancakes are truly Dutch. One of my fondest childhood memories is of my Dutch-born dad standing in the kitchen, making us big, thick pannenkoeken sprinkled with lots of sugar.

Jump to:
  • Whole-Wheat Version
  • Gluten-FreeVersion
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • Related Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
  • Reviews

Whole-Wheat Version

Scroll down to the recipe card for this version. My pancakes are smaller than dad's and they are made with whole-wheat flour.

Dad used to sprinkle his pancakes with white sugar, but I use brown sugar because it adds flavor in addition to sweetness.

If you use all-purpose flour, you can use just one cup of milk, since white flour absorbs less liquid. You’ll know the batter is right if it spreads easily in the skillet.

Gluten-FreeVersion

After transitioning to a low-carb and gluten-free diet, I created a gluten-free version using coconut flour. While certainly nontraditional, it's very good. Watch the video below to see how I make these pannenkoeken. Here's the detailed recipe for this version.

Ingredients

3 large eggs
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup (28 grams) coconut flour
Cooking oil for pan (I use avocado oil)

Pannenkoeken Instructions

  • Break the eggs into a medium bowl and lightly beat them. Add the milk and vanilla and whisk to incorporate. (Photo 1).
  • Add the coconut flour and whisk patiently until very smooth. Allow the batter to thicken for 1-2 minutes, then whisk again. (Photo 2).
  • Heat a small, 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray it with cooking spray or grease it with butter.
  • For each pancake, pour a scant ⅓ cup of the batter into the skillet. Swirl to spread. Cook until the top is bubbly and the bottom is set, 2-3 minutes.
  • Using a wide spatula, or two regular spatulas, as shown in the video, very carefully flip the pannekoek - it's not as sturdy as a wheat flour one so work carefully. (Photo 3).
  • Cook the second side briefly - it will be done in 30 seconds to 1 minute, then slide the pancake onto a plate. (Photo 4).
  • Spray the skillet again and continue cooking the pancakes until all the batter is gone. Pile the cooked pannenkoeken on top of each other on a plate and cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm.
  • Sprinkle each of them with sugar (or a sugar-free sweetener), roll, and serve. (Photos 5-6).
Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Nutrition info

The recipe makes 6. Nutrition for 2 (pancake only, no toppings):
Calories: 210 Fat: 14g Saturated fat: 5g Carbohydrates: 10g Sugar: 12g Sodium: 127mg Fiber: 3g Protein: 10g

Expert Tip

Just like crepes, you can make this recipe in advance. Cook the entire batch, and keep them piled on a baking sheet.

Then briefly warm them in a hot oven, loosely covered with foil so they don’t dry out. Finally, sprinkle them with sugar, roll, and serve.

Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between pannenkoeken and pancakes?

Pannenkoeken are larger and thinner. They are closer to French crepes than to American pancakes, although they are thicker than crepes.

Where do pannenkoeken originate from?

They originate from the Netherlands. Their name literally translates to "Pan-Cakes."

Are Dutch pancakes served for breakfast?

They can be served for any meal. There are savory versions that can be served for lunch or even dinner. Many pannekoek restaurants in the Netherlands are open from noon until 7 or 8 pm.

They can also be served as dessert or as a snack. My dad typically made them a couple of hours after dinner, as a snack.

Serving Suggestions

Faithful to my childhood memories, the only filling I like for pannenkoeken is sugar (real or fake). But there are other tasty filling options if you'd like to experiment:

  • Chocolate hazelnut spread (homemade or store-bought)
  • Whipped cream or chocolate whipped cream
  • Blueberry compote or strawberry compote
  • Fried bananas
  • Cream cheese and jam

Storing Leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)
  • Keto Crepes
  • Keto Hazelnut Spread
  • Almond Flour Pancakes
  • Blueberry Compote

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Recipe Card

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (8)

4.93 from 82 votes

Print Recipe

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes)

This simple pannenkoeken recipe highlights the pancakes' delicate texture and flavor. All they need is a sprinkling of brown sugar.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Dutch

Servings: 10 pancakes

Calories: 239kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white whole-wheat flour
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder gluten-free if needed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon melted butter for the skillet
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder.

  • In another medium bowl, beat the eggs. Add the milk, butter, and vanilla. Slowly stir in the flour mixture. Whisk to combine.

  • Heat a 6-inch skillet over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Brush it with a thin layer of butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet, swirling the skillet to spread evenly. Cook until golden for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s time to flip the pancake when the edges start separating from the skillet:

    Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

  • Carefully flip the pannekoek, using two wide spatulas. Cook it for 1-2 more minutes on the second side, until golden.

  • Transfer the pannekoek to a dinner plate. Sprinkle it with brown sugar, roll it up, and serve.

Video

Notes

  • After transitioning to a low-carb, gluten-free diet, I created a gluten-free version using coconut flour. While certainly nontraditional, it's very good. The detailed recipe for this version is included in the post above.
  • You can cut the frying time in half by using 2 skillets simultaneously.
  • Just likecrepes, you can make this recipe in advance. Cook the entire batch, and keep them piled on a baking sheet. Then briefly warm them in a hot oven, loosely covered with foil so they don’t dry out. Finally, sprinkle them with sugar, roll, and serve.
  • You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, at 50% power.

Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 2pannenkoeken | Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 339mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g

Made this Recipe?

If you made this recipe, please leave a comment sharing your experience with others. Thank you so much!

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

About the Author

Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (10) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a pancake and a pannekoeken? ›

Pannenkoeken are usually larger (up to a foot in diameter) and much thinner than their American or Scotch pancake counterparts, but not as thin as crêpes. They may incorporate slices of bacon, apples, cheese, or raisins.

What is the difference between Dutch pancakes and regular pancakes? ›

What's the difference between a Dutch pancake and an American pancake? A Dutch pancake is usually larger and much thinner than the thick and fluffy American pancakes. If you order a Dutch pancake at PANCAKES Amsterdam, you will get a delicious thin pancake with a diameter of 32 centimeters.

What is special about Dutch pancakes? ›

They are generally thicker than most pancakes and contain no chemical leavening ingredients such as baking powder. They can be sweet or savory and can be served at any meal. The idea of a Dutch baby pancake may have been derived from the German Pfannkuchen, but the current form originated in the US in the early 1900s.

Is a Dutch baby the same as a pannenkoeken? ›

They both can be made with the same mix but they are made differently. This pannekoeken is designed for an 11 to 12-inch Dutch baby pan or a skillet with rounded sides. This is a five ingredient–five step recipe that really goes together quickly.

Why are they called Dutch pancakes? ›

In essence, a Dutch baby pancake is a large, baked pancake. According to Taste of Home Test Kitchen's Mark Neufang, this giant, fluffy treat got its name from German origins, rather than Dutch. As the legend goes, the name came from a historic cafe in Seattle called Manca's.

Why are German pancakes called Dutch babies? ›

The term “Dutch baby” was coined by an American restaurateur whose use of “Dutch” was a corruption of the word “Deutsch” (“German” in German). “Baby” referred to the fact that the restaurant served miniature versions.

Why do restaurant pancakes taste better? ›

Using milk instead of water when you're utilizing it as a mix-in creates a fluffier texture in the end, much like it does when the same is done to scrambled eggs. Restaurants also refrain from using butter and oil on the griddle, popular ways to grease pans when in your own kitchen, which tend to affect the flavor.

Where did pannekoeken originate? ›

The history of 'Hollandse Pannenkoeken' or Dutch pancakes goes back to the 12th century when pancakes were part of the daily food in China and Nepal cooked with buckwheat and water. History suggests that the crusaders liked them so much that they brought them to Europe.

Do Dutch people eat pancakes for dinner? ›

They can be eaten as a snack or as a main course during lunch or dinner. A Dutch pancake is good at any time of the day.

Why is my Dutch pancake flat? ›

The recipe doesn't contain any chemical leavening as the milk and eggs create steam that causes the Dutch Baby to rise. If the pancake was a little flat it is most likely that either the oven or the skillet (or other pan) was not hot enough.

What is the difference between Yorkshire pudding and Dutch baby pancake? ›

To those in the know, a Dutch baby really is just a large, puffy pancake, while Yorkshire pudding is a savory side dish that has graced meat-heavy meals in England for centuries. Yet, some people tend to confuse the two as being the same, owing to a similarity of ingredients and appearance.

What is a pancake in Dutch slang? ›

A pancake, just a typical Dutch dish. But it's also something you can call someone. An Ajax-fan (Ajax is the biggest football club in the Netherlands) made this one nationally popular in the 2000's when he called one of the most famous Dutch players, Marco van Basten, a pannenkoek.

Why does my Dutch baby taste eggy? ›

If you would like the inside of the finished dish to be a little less "egg-y" then cut the number of eggs down to 3, and many many reviewers also found that just 3 Tablespoons of butter worked better for them.

Why did my Dutch baby fall? ›

Why did my Dutch baby fall? If your Dutch baby does not rise, a few factors may be the culprit. The ingredients were too cold, the mixture wasn't mixed well (either too much or too little), the pan wasn't hot enough, or you needed more butter.

What's the difference between American flapjacks and pancakes? ›

In the US and Canada, pancakes and flapjacks are the same thing, but which word applies is mainly a regional difference. I know in the states we northerners are more likely to say pancake, but down south the flapjack is more likely to be the star of the breakfast table.

What are pancakes called in Mexico? ›

The small pancakes in Mexico are called "hotcakes" or "panqueques" in Spanish. They are similar to the American pancakes, but they are smaller and thinner, and sometimes they are filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as fruits, chocolate, cheese, or meat.

What do the French call their pancakes? ›

Crêpes are an ultra-thin pancake common in France that can be made sweet or savory, typically rolled or folded with a variety of fillings from jam or Nutella to ham and cheese to seafood.

What is a Dutch baby pancake called? ›

A Dutch baby (or Dutch baby pancake), is also known as a German pancake, a Hootenanny, a Dutch puff, or a Bismarck, and is simply a large American popover. A large Yorkshire pudding shares a lot of similarities with a Dutch baby. A Dutch baby is usually baked in the oven.

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